High School Teacher By Mr. Long November 2003

Nature of the Work ● Help students learn and apply concepts ● Specialize in a content area ● Use a variety of techniques ● Utilize educational technologies

Nature of the Work ● Work with students of differing abilities ● With with students from different backgrounds ● Do extra “duties” ● Serve on committees

Working Conditions ● Usually in a classroom or lab setting ● Usually work alone – little contact with peers ● Have to deal with behavior issues ● Have to deal with parents

Working Conditions ● Other duties: – Coaching – Clubs – Trips – Hall monitor – Lunch room – Professional Development

Working Conditions ● The School Year ● Fixed Time: – The bell schedule ● Short Day – 7:30 to 3:30 ● Short Year – 9 months

Working Conditions ● Tenure – Prevents firing without cause – Protects academic freedom ● Unions – Collective bargaining – Adds to profession

Training and Qualifications ● Must have a state license ● Must have a bachelor's degree ● Must have passed a teacher training program (usually 1 year) ● Must pass a test (NTE, etc.)

Training and Qualifications ● Background investigation ● Technology competency ● Special Education classes ● Masters Degree ● National Board Certification Other Possible Requirements

Training and Qualifications ● License Renewal Requirements – In-service classes – College classes ● Mentoring new teachers Continuing Education

Training and Qualifications ● Be Organized ● Be a leader ● Understand learning difficulties ● Dependability Additional Skills

Training and Qualifications ● Have patience ● Be creative ● Good communication skills Additional Skills

Employment Outlook ● Excellent ● Many retirements over the next 10 years ● Enrollment is rising ● Inner-cities have highest demand

Employment Outlook ● Highest demand by specialty – Mathematics – Special education – Bi-lingual – Foreign language – Computers

Earnings ● Median salary: $40,000 ● Starting salary: $23,000 ● Top salary: $60,000 ● Increase salary: – Advanced degree – Stipends for coaching, certification, etc.

Earnings ● Benefits – Medical insurance – Life insurance – Retirement – Liability insurance

● College Teachers ● Counselors ● Administrators ● Librarians ● Coaches ● Social Workers Related Occupations

● State Schools – U of M – MSU System ● Private – Rocky – Carroll Sources for Training In Montana

● Might be less expensive ● Get paid more if you teach in Montana ● Learn in a more diverse environment Sources for Training Out of State